We arrived at Washington Street Coffee House in downtown New London around 6:30 p.m. on a rainy Saturday evening. My roommates and I frequent Washington Street for Sunday breakfasts but had never been for dinner. It’s BYOB and meals are inexpensive, usually between $5 and $10. We’d seen the signs for $2 Taco Night on Fridays and Saturdays, so we decided to give it a try.
Although we weren’t there on a night with a performance, the café often features live music on weekends. The place has a relaxed feel, with paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling and work by local artists covering the walls. There’s a “free” box by the door to take or leave miscellaneous items (this time it was filled with ties). The place has a young vibe, but customers of all ages enjoy Washington Street, from families with little kids to a group of older regulars who gather to read the newspaper together.
Washington Street’s cuisine manages to combine Mexican with Asian-fusion with classic American, which makes for an eclectic menu that incorporates quality ingredients like prosciutto, as well as homemade sauces.
We brought a bottle of red wine, which we drank from paper cups. I ordered the chicken tacos with goat cheese, cabbage, red onion, and house-made jalapeno hot sauce. My roommates ordered the same tacos, the Thai green curry with bok choy and the sesame ginger chicken wrap.
I love tacos, and these did not disappoint. The jalapeno hot sauce was fresh and zesty with just a little kick—a surprising complement to the tanginess of the goat cheese. We ran into Spencer Francus ’14, who also had the chicken tacos, and commented that said goat cheese was “a revelation.”
Liz Spackman ’14, said that her Thai curry didn’t taste especially like curry, but it was more like rice and steamed vegetables in a broth. Although she might not order that dish again, Spackman remains a huge fan of Washington Street. She loves the banh mi (pork belly) sandwich, which she says “melts in your mouth.” She also recommends the meatloaf sandwich, which is “probably overlooked because a lot of people have bad associations with meatloaf or think it’s boring. But they do it really well and it’s perfect if you’re looking for some down-home goodness. They make their own ketchup, too.”
While we enjoyed our meals, we agreed that nothing compares to their breakfast. We recommend the oatmeal with apples and cinnamon, the huevos rancheros, and the breakfast sandwiches (which come on homemade English muffins). Their pastries are also excellent, and their coffee is so strong that my roommates jokingly refer to it as “jet fuel.”
Any time of day, Washington Street Coffee House is a great spot for students and locals alike. The natural light from its huge windows and its attractive but minimal décor make it a great place to study. It’s also a unique place to bring visiting friends if you want to impress them with great food and a cool scene. We can’t say enough good things about Washington Street! •
